Ultra-Orthodox Israeli Women Lose Election, Vow To Return

Michal Chernovitsky was one of several ultra-Orthodox women who ran for a seat on the all-male local council in El'ad, Israel. None of the women won a spot in Tuesday's vote, but they said they would continue to be active in politics.

Outside pressure is also challenging ultra-Orthodox communities, which have clashed repeatedly with less strict religious sectors of Israeli society over practices such as separating men and women on public transportation, or walkways in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods.

The most high-profile fight, over requiring ultra-Orthodox men to serve in the Israeli military, will be dealt with again in a new session of parliament. And as Haredi society grows, the battle lines blur.

One new ultra-Orthodox political movement supports the draft, along with greater integration into wider Israeli society.

That group sticks to tradition in at least one way. Its slate of candidates was all men.